Mother bear, three cubs shot at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport

Getty Images/File Photo

A family of black bears was shot and killed at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport earlier this month, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.

A family of black bears was shot and killed at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport earlier this month, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. (Getty Images/File Photo)

Charlotte JacobsonOf The (Scranton) Times-Tribune

Mother bear, three cubs slain at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport

A family of black bears was shot and killed at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport this month, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.

Airport and Game Commission officials describe the action on the morning of Oct. 20 as unfortunate but necessary.

A mother bear and her three 2-year-old cubs crossed the perimeter fence of the Pittston Township airport, where it was decided they created an immediate threat to airport customers and incoming flights, Game Commission officials said.

Bill Williams, Game Commission Northeast Region information and education supervisor, explained that the airport has the proper federal permits and Game Commission permits to shoot animals they believe may pose a danger at the airport.